SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for flight trials of the TARA (Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation) precision guidance kit, a significant development by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). The ADM& SPJ division of AIRPPNCSS Group within ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment) has formally requested flight test support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Su-30 MKI aircraft.
TARA represents a major leap forward in the IAF’s air-to-ground weaponry. This indigenous guidance kit transforms unguided bombs into smart munitions, significantly enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aeronautical manufacturer, has announced a significant collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines. This partnership will focus on the development and integration of a new, indigenous engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program.
HAL will initially utilize Safran’s ANETO-1H engine for the IMRH’s development and testing phases on the Intermediate Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) variants. The ANETO-1H, currently used on the AW189 helicopter with a power range of 2500shp, will provide a reliable platform for these crucial initial stages. RWRDC (Rotary Wing Research and Development Centre) will acquire a total of 12 ANETO-1H engines, with deliveries expected within 24 months of contract finalization.
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In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, India has successfully rolled out the first prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank. The Indian Defence Ministry has confirmed that the entire development and production of this initial prototype was completed at a remarkably low cost of Rs 234.5 crores.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy due to the expedited timeline of the project, transitioning from the drawing board to the first prototype in just two years. The Zorawar Light Tank is poised to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude regions.
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India is set to carry out a series of missile tests in the Bay of Bengal over the next month, according to recent Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the country’s aviation authorities. These tests are expected to showcase India’s growing prowess in missile technology.
The first NOTAM, effective from July 27 to August 10, 2024, designates a large area of approximately 595 kilometers in the Bay of Bengal as a no-fly zone. The extensive area covered suggests the possibility of a long-range missile test, potentially involving a cruise missile such as the BrahMos or the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
HAL Chairman C B Ananthakrishnan revealed that after thorough discussions with the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, the combined requirements for the IMRH stand at 419 units. This new 12-13-ton class medium-weight helicopter is set to replace the aging Mi-17 series helicopters currently in service.
Out of the total 419 IMRH units, 66 are designated as Deck-Borne Multi-Role Helicopters (DB-MRH) for the Indian Navy. These maritime helicopters will feature a higher all-up weight and customized configurations to meet the specific operational demands of naval missions. The remaining 353 IMRH units will be allocated to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army, primarily to replace the Mi-17 series medium helicopters, some of which are nearing obsolescence.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the enduring importance of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in modern warfare. The use of both old and new MBTs by Russia has highlighted the necessity of maintaining substantial reserves to address the potential for prolonged conflicts, which can stretch over months or even years. This scenario has significant implications for militaries worldwide, including the Indian Army, which ranks fifth globally in MBT numbers.
The Indian Army is currently planning to retire its fleet of T-72 tanks starting in 2035, with a view to placing them in reserve. Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed converting these T-72s into Autonomous Main Battle Tanks (AMBTs). This transformation would enable the Indian Army to deploy these unmanned tanks in high-risk scenarios where the likelihood of their destruction is elevated due to advances in Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace giant, is gearing up for the future with plans to adopt a suite of advanced robotics and digital manufacturing tools. This integration aims to revolutionize the design, production, and support systems for their military helicopters, specifically the Medium-class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
HAL’s embrace of robotics signifies a significant shift towards automation and enhanced precision in helicopter production. Exactly what these “robotics tools” entail remains undisclosed, but they likely encompass robotic arms, automated welding systems, and other intelligent machines capable of performing complex tasks with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.
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Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, has expressed concerns over the company’s supply chain disruptions, which are impacting the production of both Falcon business jets and Rafale fighter aircraft. In a recent press conference, Trappier highlighted shortages in production lines due to inefficiencies among certain suppliers, particularly in the aerostructure sector. These challenges have introduced risks to delivery timelines and customer support operations.
To mitigate these issues, Dassault Aviation is implementing a combination of internal and external measures aimed at improving supply chain resilience and anticipating potential supplier shortcomings.
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The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune is at the forefront of developing innovative protection systems for armoured vehicles. The laboratory is currently focused on designing and developing a hard-kill type futuristic tank protection system to safeguard armoured vehicles against incoming threats.
A crucial aspect of this development involves understanding the complex interaction between blast waves and incoming projectiles. To achieve this, HEMRL is undertaking extensive research to develop sophisticated mathematical models and conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. These simulations will accurately predict the behavior of blast waves as they encounter moving bodies, analyzing how these waves influence projectile trajectories and cause structural damage.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is nearing a critical milestone. With Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval secured and over $2 billion allocated, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is set to make a crucial call – choosing a co-development partner for the AMCA’s engine.
According to reliable sources to idrw.org, DRDO has concluded most discussions with potential partners – French Safran, American GE Aviation, and British Rolls-Royce. Negotiations focused on intellectual property rights (IPR) and investment terms. DRDO will submit its recommendation to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) based on these evaluations.
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In a move highlighting proactive strategy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun procuring materials for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, even before finalizing a contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for 156 units.
HAL Chairman C B Ananthakrishnan recently confirmed that the company has initiated material procurement for the LCH. This proactive approach comes after the MoD requested an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the 156 Prachand helicopters, intended for the Indian Army (90 units) and Indian Air Force (66 units).
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Boeing is strongly pushing to sell additional CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This comes after the successful delivery of 15 Chinooks in 2020 through a $3 billion deal under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
The American aerospace giant is proposing its latest Block II configuration Chinooks to the IAF. The Block II upgrade offers a significant boost in capability, with an additional 4,000 pounds of maximum gross weight and an extended mission radius for most payloads. This translates to increased capacity for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies over longer distances.
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In a significant move to strengthen defense ties between the United States and India, Lockheed Martin’s CEO, Jim Taiclet, recently held a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Taiclet advocated for a government-to-government deal aimed at supplying 60-80 C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This proposal comes as part of India’s search for a suitable Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to enhance its logistical capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules is already a familiar asset within the IAF, which operates 12 of these versatile aircraft. Known for its reliability and multi-role capabilities, the C-130J Hercules has proven its worth in various missions ranging from humanitarian assistance to tactical airlift operations. However, the competition for India’s MTA requirement is fierce, with the C-130J Hercules contending against other formidable offerings such as Embraer’s C-390M and Airbus’s A-400M.
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C J Varghese, a visionary innovator from Kerala, has once again proven his mettle in the field of advanced defense technology by securing his fifth patent for the APS (Active Protection System) Hard-Kill shooter. This latest patent marks a significant milestone in Varghese’s illustrious career, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The system is designed to offer comprehensive 360-degree protection against various forms of attack, including direct and top-down assaults. This cutting-edge technology is particularly crucial in modern combat scenarios where threats can emerge from any direction and at any angle.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is vying for a central role in the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The company aims to participate in the manufacturing of whichever fighter jet is ultimately selected through the tender process.
This stance puts HAL at odds with some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) advocating for setting up their independent production facilities in India. Notably, Dassault Aviation of France, frontrunners with their Rafale jets, and Saab of Sweden reportedly want complete control over local manufacturing through their Indian subsidiaries, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) and Saab India, respectively.
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